Thread: Parker?

I've been shaving with a straight razor only for the last three months but now that spring is almost upon us, it's time for me to start with early morning rituals of fly fishing and mountain biking. I typically shave in the evening after the kids are in bed but now when I get home from my bike rides I'm too whupped to shave and in the morning I like to get up early and get in a few casts before work.

So I'm thinking about trying out a safety razor for when I'm pressed for time. I've used a Dovo shavette for when I'm in a hurry as I can skip the stropping element and with a fresh blade I know I'll get a good shave, but I think it would be fun to try out a safety razor. I found a place nearby that sells Parker safety razors (the 22R and 90R). Anyone had any experience with these? I've also been thinking about picking up a Gillette Fatboy off eBay as I've heard they're decent and common enough to be inexpensive.

A DE would be a perfect option for you. They can deliver outstanding shaves, and although they aren't as fun as using a straight, they still have a very traditional feel. Plus they are 100% better than any modern cartridge razor.

You could do better than the Parker though. I have the 22R and it's not one of my favorites. Parkers main selling point is the price, but you'd still be better off spending a little more and getting a Merkur, EJ or vintage Gillette.

Hello, bharner:

I concur with my good friend Ryan about the Parker. I had the 90R and could not wait to get rid of it. The quality was low, and the shave had the tendencies of shaving with a hatchet. I, too, suggest going with an Edwin Jagger or a Merkur. Any of the old Gillettes is fine, too.

Regards,
Obie

Thanks, for the input. They seemed on the cheap end but aren't too much cheaper than the lower end Merkurs so I wasn't sure. Plus I was looking forward to supporting a local business, oh well. Maybe I'll see if they can get a Merkur in for me. Some day, once my student loans and house are almost paid off I'm going to open a shaving supplies store. Or a Donut shop. Either way, I'd have too much fun.

Originally Posted by bharner

it's time for me to start with early morning rituals of fly fishing and mountain biking.

Is this a shaving question or are you just taunting us with the fact that you live someplace where you can fly fish and mountain bike before going to work?????

Personally, I think you should straight shave, mountain bike, AND fly fish before showing up late for work. That's what I'd do if I were you, you lucky dog. After all, work is highly over-rated.

Greg

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Originally Posted by LinacMan

Is this a shaving question or are you just taunting us with the fact that you live someplace where you can fly fish and mountain bike before going to work?????

Personally, I think you should straight shave, mountain bike, AND fly fish before showing up late for work. That's what I'd do if I were you, you lucky dog. After all, work is highly over-rated.

Greg

A little bit of both... The Shenandoah Valley is an amazing place. I usually do one or the other before work. Biking tends to happen after work with fly fishing before hand. Or the occasional bit of biking to one of my secret spots to make the trek in faster . I did take my Shavette skiing with me one day this winter and shaved in the top shack with it using my goggles as a mirror. Only got one nick, too .

IMAG0042 by harner.bill, on Flickr

But have you straight shaved while sky diving??

If you can shave with a Shavette while using your goggles for a mirror, you sure don't lack stones!

Originally Posted by LinacMan

But have you straight shaved while sky diving??

If I could afford the sky diving AND the medical bills, I'd try it. That does give me an idea though... I wonder how the shavette would do while SCUBA diving? I may have to find out this summer.

I wouldn't advise it, especially in shark-infested waters. The nick you get may be the least of your worries.